Note 1 at Jn. 2:12: Scholars are divided on the exact location of the biblical Capernaum. However, the two sites in contention (Kham-Minyeh and Tell-Hum) are less than 3 miles apart, located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee at the northern end near where the Jordan River flows into the sea. Scripture definitely places Capernaum in this area (Mt. 4:13-16; Lk. 4:31; Jn. 6:17-24).

Although Peter was originally from Bethsaida (Jn. 1:44), he moved to Capernaum (Mk. 1:21 with 29). Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum (Mt. 9:1-9 with Mk. 2:1,14-15) and entertained Jesus in his home. It was in Capernaum that Jesus healed the centurion's servant (Mt. 8:5-13; Lk. 7:1-10) and Peter's mother-in-law (Mt. 8:14-15; Mk. 1:29-31; Lk. 4:38-39), cast a devil out of a man in the synagogue (Mk. 1:21-28; Lk. 4:33-37), healed the man who was let down through the roof (Mt. 9:1-8; Mk. 2:1-12; Lk. 5:17-26), the nobleman's son (Jn. 4:46-54), and the multitudes (Mk. 1:32-34).

Jesus spent so much time in Capernaum that it was referred to as His own city (Mt. 9:1 with Mk. 2:1). However, the town as a whole did not accept His witness and suffered one of His strongest rebukes (Mt. 11:23-24; Lk. 10:15).

Note 2 at Jn. 2:12: The scriptures name four of Jesus' brothers as James, Joses, Juda, and Simon and reveal that He had at least two sisters (Mt. 13:55-56; Mk. 6:3). John 7:5 (which took place during the last six months of Jesus' ministry--see chronological chart, p. vii) shows that Jesus' brethren still did not believe in Him towards the end of His ministry. However, Acts 1:14 states that the brethren of Jesus were present at the ascension of Jesus and tarried with the other disciples in the upper room until the day of Pentecost. They are spoken of as being Christian workers in 1 Corinthians 9:5, and James is spoken of as being an apostle (Gal. 1:19).

Because of this reference to James as an apostle, and due to the fact that Paul made mention of him along with Peter as being the only two apostles he saw in Jerusalem, it is supposed that the James spoken of in Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; Galatians 1:19; 2:9,12 is none other than the Lord's brother. This would make James (the Lord's brother) the head of the church in Jerusalem. James, the brother of John and one of Jesus' twelve apostles, had already been martyred (Acts 12:2).

Tradition has tried to explain that these brothers and sisters of Jesus are actually His cousins or children of Joseph by a previous marriage in an effort to support the doctrine of Mary's perpetual virginity. However, the use of the word "firstborn" in Matthew 1:25 and Luke 2:7 instead of "only begotten" support the idea that Mary had other children. Notice also the prophecy of Psalm 69:8. There is no reason not to take these scriptures at face value and believe that these were Mary's children (see note 2 at Lk. 1:28, p. 10; see note 6 at Lk. 1:47, p. 12).